2019 Volume 33 Issue 1 Pages 92-102
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to have early-stage postpartum period mothers who are engaged in direct breast-feeding undergo Ashiyu for consecutive days, and to examine and qualitatively assess the effects of this exercise on their nipple shape and the condition of the nipples and areolae.
Subjects and Method
The subjects of the study were 25 mothers engaged in direct breast-feeding during early-stage postpartum period. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups for comparison: an Ashiyu group with 14 subjects, and a control group with 11 subjects. The assessment metrics used were discernment of nipple shape through a pinch test and the condition of the nipples and areolae through palpation. The study was conducted after receiving confirmation from the Aichi Medical University College of Nursing Ethics Committee.
Results
The median of number of days in which temporarily-inverted nipples changed to ordinary nipples was 2.0 (range: 2-3; n=5) for the Ashiyu group and 4.5 (4-5; n=4) for the control group (p<.05); the median number of days in which flat nipples changed to ordinary nipples was 2.0 (2-3; n=6) for the Ashiyu group and 4.0 (3-4; n=5) for the control group (p<.05). The median number of days in which nipples changed from “hard” to “soft” was 2.0 (2-3; n=8) for the Ashiyu group and 4.5 (3-5; n=6) for the control group (p<.01); the median number of days in which areolae changed from “hard” to “soft” was 3.0 (2-4; n=3) for the Ashiyu group and 4.0 (4-4; n=1) for the control group. The median number of days in which any areolar edema disappeared was 3.0 (3-3; n=2) for the Ashiyu group and 4.5 (4-5; n=2) for the control group.
In each case where subjects had “no problems” in nipple shape nor in nipple or areola condition, or where subjects had “soft” nipples and/or areolae, there were no changes in nipple shape nor in nipple or areola condition during the five days of postpartum, in either of the groups.
Conclusion
Administration of Ashiyu to early-stage postpartum period mothers led to the following outcomes: temporarily-inverted nipples, flat nipples changed to ordinary nipples, nipples and areolae softened more earlier than a control group, and areolar edema earlier disappeared. This suggests that Ashiyu during early-stage postpartum period has a good effect on mothers’ nipple shape and the condition of their nipples and areolae.
